Small terrestrial mammal distributions in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia: a reassessment after 88 years

A recent reassessment of small terrestrial mammal distributions in Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia, reveals significant upward elevational shifts in species' ranges over the past 88 years, suggesting a strong influence of climate change on these endemic mammals. The study, conducted between September and November 2015 at four elevations along the western slope of the Simien Mountains, recorded 13 species—all endemic to the Ethiopian Plateau—with the highest species richness observed at mid-elevations (3,250 m). This pattern contrasts with broader global trends but aligns with African mountain ecosystems. By comparing these findings to historical data from 1927, researchers highlighted the potential impact of climate change on the elevational distribution of small mammals in this critical biodiversity hotspot.

Craig, E. W., Stanley, W. T., Kerbis Peterhans, J. C., Bryja, J., & Meheretu, Y. (2020). Small terrestrial mammal distributions in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia: a reassessment after 88 years. Journal of Mammalogy, 101(3), 634–647. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaa040